Devender And Others v. State Of Punjab And Others
IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA
AT CHANDIGARH **** 204-1 Date of Decision: 22.05.2026 DEVENDER AND OTHERS
...Petitioners
Vs.
STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.
...Respondents
CORAM:- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JAGMOHAN BANSAL Present:- Ms. Jagriti Kala, Advocate for Mr. Naresh Jain, Advocate for the petitioners Mr. Arun Jindal, Addl. A.G. Punjab Mr. Sehaj Bir Singh, Advocate (through V.C) with Ms. Muskan Gill, Advocate for respondent-PSPCL Mr. Balram Singh, Advocate for respondent No.6 *** JAGMOHAN BANSAL, J. (ORAL) 1.
On 24.08.2020, the following order was passed by this Court:- "Learned counsel for the petitioners, inter alia, contends that after completing all the formalities, petitioners applied for electricity connections in their respective premises on 13.11.2019. Consequently, the electricity meters were installed on 20.11.2019. The petitioners paid the electricity bills from time to time as per annexures P-1 to P-6. However, on 31.01.2020, officials of the electricity department came and forcibly removed the electricity meters from the premises of the petitioners without issuing any show cause notice. He further contends that the act
-2and conduct of the respondents is in violation of Article 21 of the Constitution of India. Removal of the electricity meters without issuing any show cause notice or giving opportunity of hearing is violation of the principle of natural justice. In support of his contentions, learned counsel refers to the judgment passed by Hon'ble the Supreme Court in Whirlpool Corporation vs. Registrar of Trade Marks, Mumbai, 1998 (8) SCC 1. Notice of motion On the asking of the Court, Mr. Vikas Mohan Gupta, Addl. A.G., Punjab, accepts notice on behalf of the respondents and seeks time to file reply.
On the next date, learned counsel for the respondents will get instructions, as to why temporary meters have not been installed in the premises of the petitioners till date.
Adjourned to 31.08.2020."
2.
The aforesaid order was followed by order dated 04.09.2020 whereby respondents were directed to restore electricity connection within one week. Relevant extracts of order dated 04.09.2020 read as:- "In the premise, this Court is constrained to pass interim directions. Respondents No.2 to 4 are directed to restore the electricity connection of petitioners within one week from today, subject to the final outcome of the writ petition. Interim orders passed by this Court shall not be construed to mean that if there is any outstanding to be paid by any of the petitioners, payment thereof is not to be made. It is clarified that restoration of electricity meter will be done subject to payment of outstanding arrears, if any."
3.
Learned counsel for respondent-PSPCL concedes that in deference to aforesaid order, petitioners' electricity connection was restored and till date said connection is in operation.
-34.
A period of almost six years from the date of release of connection has passed away. There seems no reason to disturb/recall said connection especially in view of the fact that respondent had never filed application during intervening period seeking recalling of said order rather has regularly supplied electricity. Accordingly, order dated 04.09.2020 is hereby made absolute. It is made clear that this order would be not treated as precedent.
5.
Pending application(s), if any, stands disposed of. (JAGMOHAN BANSAL) JUDGE May 22, 2026 Deepak DPA Whether Speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No